The official language in Jordan is Arabic, but many citizens involved in the tourist industry can understand English.

Handshaking is customary in Jordan, but it is not as common between men and women.

Hospitality is important to Jordanians, but Muslim values are equally as important. During the Month of Ramadan, Muslim culture forbids anyone from eating, drinking, or smoking during the daylight hours.

Homosexuality is illegal in Jordan. The drinking of alcohol on the streets is too, as well.

Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz delivered through European two-pin plugs.

It is considered polite to ask permission before taking someone’s photograph.

When staying in someone’s home it is customary to give a small gift after being offered food or tea.

It is customary to barter for items that are for sale in Jordan.

Some hotels and restaurants will add a 10%-12% service charge to meals. If they do not, it is advisable to leave a tip.

You do not need to tip for taxi rides, but it is usual to round the charge up when paying.

Arabic coffee is usually offered during social events. To signal that you do not want more, slightly tilt your cup when handing it back, otherwise it will be refilled for you.

Many traditional dishes in Jordan are eaten with your fingers. When eating these types of foods do so with the fingertips of your right hand. Eating with the left hand should be avoided as the left hand used for less dignified purposes in Muslim culture.

Cultural Crossroads Tours to Jordan at a Glance

• Explore Jordan - 7 Day Journey into History and Hospitality
  

  Join Cultural Crossroads to experience Jordan, the ancient crossroads of the Middle East. It is a country rich in archeology, culture, history and food. Travelers will experience this unique country with its busy city of Amman, the primeval desert of Wadi Rum, the stark but beautiful Dead Sea, and the mysteries of Petra. Come spend time with a shaman and learn about traditional Arab medicinal practices; take in a cooking class of local dishes; enjoy a Jeep ride into the desert and visit the unforgettable Nabataean city of Petra. Cultural Crossroads travelers also enjoy wonderful hand-on experiences such as making baskets out of cattail reeds and banana leaves with the women from the Wadi Al-Rayan Project. The project not only creates job opportunities for local women, it is environmentally friendly and preserves traditional handicrafts in the area. These are only some of the special treasures that await Cultural Crossroads travelers in this special place.

• The Wonders of Jordan - 11 Day Cultural Adventure
  

  Featured in National Geographic Traveler's "50 Tours of a Lifetime" for 2010

  Travel through this land of warmth and hospitality, an amazing country rich in history and diversity. From the sea to the mountains to the desert, come explore Jordan’s breathtaking treasures and visit a new 7th Wonder of the World, the ancient Nabataean city of Petra. Exclusive visit to the Royal Stables (not open to the public) Cultural Crossroads travelers will be joined by HRH Princess Alia, daughter of the late King Hussein, will join us for lunch and put on private horse show of her Arabian horses for us. Another exclusive is a Gala dinner party catered by 5 star hotels at the private King Hussein Club. Visit to a local herbologist who will tell us about the ancient Arab medical practices. Private lecture by a professional Arabic calligrapher about the roots of Arabic calligraphy. Take part in an interactive session, meet a Shaman who will talk about traditional Arab medical practices, and take herbal tea or coffee with some of the local Bedouin families. Meet local artisans and craftspeople, have hands-on experiences with the craftspeople and cook a Jordanian meal, as well as visit so many amazing cultural and historical spots in Jordan including Petra, one of the newest 7th Wonders of the World.